Summary: "Who makes you moan? Who makes you scream in pleasure and joy? I. Fucking. Do. What's mine is mine and sharing isn't an option I'd even have the idiocy to consider."
After the Grand Magic Games, Juvia Lockser took time to reflect on her life – including Gray Fullbuster. Something she wouldn't have done on her own since she was always caught up in her fantasy. It hurt like a bitch to realize that a one-sided love would never be returned, it truly did. And moving on was even harder to do. But still, Juvia swore to do so. Somehow, there's a way for everything.
Genre: Drama/Friendship.
Disclaimer: To say that Fairy Tail belongs to me is pure fantasy. Hiro Mashima remains the creator and has all the rights.
/!\ Warning: This fan-fiction has tons of smut and I won't tell when and where you'll read them in those chapters. I'm unpredictable, huh! Minors have been warned and if you're caught off guard...remember that this fan-fiction is rated M. Read the summary carefully before launching yourself on this story.
… In which Sting Eucliffe and Juvia Lockser can finally let it all out.
[I've been listening to Let It Out by Miho Fukuhara – the second ending of Full Metal Alchemist – Brotherhood (which I'm currently watching again!) while writing this chapter. Beautiful anime, beautiful and incredible story plot, beautiful openings and endings. I loved and will forever love Full Metal Alchemist. Oh, and there's also We Are by Ana Johnsson.]
Chapter Eight: Let It Out, Baby, Let It Out
[The first part of the punishment, third week, "Day Four".]
Light purple eyes opened slowly to stare at the scrolls in his hands as Zou Arashikage processed to read the contents – which was proving to be quite the challenge when the fluctuations he could feel through his water magic were this difficult to ignore. The young blonde man seated in front of him looked all the more relaxed; his arms were folded against his powerful, naked chest (though he was wearing a jacket and elbow-length gloves. The boy was pretty confident about his sex-appeal around Juvia.), his eyes held an inquiring, calm look and his expression was solemn. But master Zou was able to pick up the fluctuations of his heartbeat, slightly more agitated than normal, and the swift glances he was throwing Juvia who was seated on his left, as if making sure she was still there with him. She, on the contrary, was like an open book: her expression was conflicted between apprehension and her usual shyness, she was biting her lower lip and fiddling with the hem of her white sweater with her long, slender fingers. Her heartbeat was more agitated than Sting Eucliffe's and despite the fact that Juvia still remembered her lessons consisting about calming down, it didn't seem to work. Zou wasn't going to lie, the atmosphere was indeed kind of tense because of this silence and the serious expression he was adorning – only when serious matters needed to be treated carefully.
Juvia Lockser and Sting Eucliffe were a serious matter. And he needed his student to be serene and settle down so that they could aboard the subject of their conversation peacefully.
However, the master Water Mage witnessed something intriguing: the blonde Dragon Slayer fully turned toward the blue-haired woman with a sigh, his blue slanted orbs seemingly heated and burning with an emotion that only enamoured lovers would feel. They concentrated on Juvia's perturbed eyes once they flickered over them and, almost immediately, the young woman's attention was on Sting: Zou watched attentively as he reached a hand to grasp her right one, tugged on her wrist to pull her body against his and brought his face close to hers – so close so that his lips were brushing over hers in the softest feathery touch ever. That simple action was enough to agitate Juvia's heartbeat even more, make her blush a pretty shade of red and send a rush of blood toward the blonde's most proud area (when it comes to his student.). Hormones. That boy is... is he really going to molest my student right in front of me? Some guts he has, Zou thought with a small frown of disapproval on his face.
But he was once again proved wrong when Sting's words reached their ears. "Calm down, Siren," he whispered to her in a patronizing yet smooth tone. "I won't settle down and be able to talk to your master if you're this agitated, we're not on trial so there's no point in being frustrated and worried."
"B-but –"
Sting silenced Juvia with a kiss, long and slow, which earned them both a whistle and a 'Go for it, Lizard Hunk!' from the ever watchful Hoenn – who was busy preparing sandwiches for everyone and supposed to be focused on his damn task at hand – and a startled master Water Mage who stared at them through blinking, light purple eyes. Was this really happening in this household? And here he thought that catching Hoenn hiding thousand of gifts from his fan-girls in every storehouse of this home was enough to irritate him. That Dragon Slayer would have to be disciplined if he were to stay here with them, because watching him act like this with his young student – which included making out with her in front of him while they all intended to have a talk about the past weeks. Sting Eucliffe was a guild master, wasn't he? Shouldn't he act like one instead of the lover who was trying to soothe his female before –
Zou did a double-take, straining his ears to listen to that strange sound. Was that a purr? He glanced at the red Exceed, who was looking at the two lovebirds with a satisfied and relieved expression, and frowned in confusion. If the cat wasn't the one purring and since Zou wasn't keen on felines or dogs in this sacred household, then that only left one person able to do such thing: he looked up to see, with eyes slightly wide in disbelief, Sting Eucliffe with his face nuzzling Juvia's right side with a beatic, yet reassuring smile. He truly was the one purring – a sound this strong that Zou could feel the vibrations through his own body. No feline could produce such powerful sound that would have shaken the whole building with vibrations ten times, it had to be the doing of a mightier beast. When Zou saw Juvia close her eyes in bliss and sigh with relief, he instantly knew that the boy had somehow managed to calm her down; her heartbeat had slowed down, regaining a normal rhythm, and she leaned in his embrace to wind her arms around his neck, bringing him closer to her own body. Sting complied, his own arms wrapped around Juvia's waist.
Zou twitched once. Twice when he heard a low but suggestive moan from his blue-haired student.
That's it. Rule n°1.
"Sonata," he said in a deep, smooth voice.
Swallowing a wrecked sob she silently reached out to touch his cheek, as if to make sure she wasn't dreaming. His skin was incredibly and pleasantly warm against her palm. Juvia started to breath quicker, her eyes watering. It wasn't a dream, this was reality. It wasn't a dream, this was reality. It wasn't a goddamn dream, this was fucking reality. Otherwise, Sting wouldn't be smiling that much despite still feeling the effects of her master's Sonata, his wide grin wouldn't make her heartbeat quicken, she wouldn't be feeling so at ease and yet so distraught at the same time because he and Lector were here with her, she wouldn't be feeling this desire to be in his arms and never leave them for anything in the world, she wouldn't be feeling this burning urge to kiss him senseless until she was left gasping for air.
"Damn," her blonde mate grunted beside her. Since the three of them were lying on the large futon in her room, Juvia had figured that Sting would have probably argued with her master to be settled with her until night time, so she had taken the matter in her hands beforehand. His features were scrunched up in an expression of pain and he was massaging his temples with his fingers, where the effects of her master's Sonata were weaker (due to Juvia massaging his head with her wonderful fingers) but still a little bit effective enough to paralyze the Dragon Slayer. The headache must have been more than painful, since he couldn't move without feeling light-headed. Still, Sting was smiling at her. "Just because I wanted to calm you down first and wasn't paying attention to him doesn't mean that he had to create goddamn shockwaves into my entire body through the water, I feel like I'm vibrating from everywhere. That old bastard..."
Juvia couldn't help but giggle weakly at his comment, despite the fact that he just insulted her master (she would have let it slide anyway, Master Zou had been kind of rude to him.). The sound of her giggle managed to make him smile wider and his blue eyes assessed the young woman, taking in her appearance and inhaling her sweet scent; he took in the puffed and tired eyes, the exhausted smile and – the most important things that made his smile drop instantly – the bandages and the anti-magic collar. Instead of feeling warm and at ease, Sting suddenly felt very cold as the guilt aimed at his throbbing throat. He swallowed with difficulty and averted his eyes, ashamed. She hurt herself while trying to take that thing off because of me, the blonde thought bitterly, gritting his teeth.
The blue-haired woman immediately felt the shift in Sting's emotions and she reached out to cup his cheeks on reflex, worried. "Sting? What's wrong?" she asked him, trying to meet his eyes but he kept evading her inquiring gaze. Juvia bit her lips, letting a few tears escape her eyes. "Please, tell me what's wrong."
His expression looked somber and sadder, the total opposite of the joyous and relieved face he had when he had embraced her tightly in his arms. And she didn't like it one bit: they had just reunited after three weeks and a half even though they should have waited until the end of this week to be together again, so the only emotions they should both feel were happiness and relief. This anguished emotion that was squeezing her heart painfully would only serve to make her cry even more – which was something she didn't want. Absolutely not.
Instead of hearing his voice she felt his fingers onto her neck, where the bandages were wrapped, and she gasped silently. They slowly caressed the fabric up and down and from the left to the right, as if they were tracing the healing streaks Juvia had created herself out of sheer panic and despair. Then they slid downward, touching the anti-magic collar on her neck, and wrapped themselves around it.
"Sting...," Juvia trailed off.
"You hurt yourself," he cut her off, his voice gaining a sharp edge. "Because of that anti-magic collar. Because of me."
"Sting Eucliffe, I feel so much guilt and anger in you," Zou said as he looked at the slumped and convulsive form of the blonde Dragon Slayer against Juvia with thoughtful eyes. He wasn't making any judgement on anyone but the master Water Mage was aware of Sting's involvement in his student's punishment; as a guild master, he had had to be impartial as much as it must have pained him to do so – taking Juvia's side without thinking would have had consequences and since she had also attacked one of her guild mates out of free will, the fact that she could have made it out without being punished would have angered a few. Even if Gray Fullbuster had been the first to cross the line by insulting her. "I can easily detect them by feeling the spikes of the water in your body and even though you are probably trying to ignore them, they just don't go away that easily. They won't."
His gaze fell on the young blue-haired woman, who was trying to soothe her man by massaging his temples very slowly and only with her forefingers – the only way to ease the pain provoked by the shockwaves through the water inside someone's body, even though it would take hours to fade. Her dark blue eyes were more focused on Sting due to the bond they both had but flickered toward her master sometimes, as if to listen to whatever he had to say to him. The blonde had more problems meeting his gaze but, as Zou expected from him, really struggled to have his dark blue orbs glued to his still form. Determination also radiated from this young man, as bright as light. It was almost blinding, in a way.
"It is expected to feel some self-hatred and guilt upon having to punish a loved one," Zou continued. "but here's the ugly side of being a guild master when you're in love: you just can't take one's side and be unfair to the other. No matter how hurtful it is, every guild master knows it. You have discovered it when you had to think of a fair punishment for Juvia and the other man she protected you from."
Sting squinted, shifting a little bit so that his head was more comfortable on Juvia's lap. "Yeah," he grunted, hating the fact that he had been incapacitated so easily – he couldn't even sit up without feeling dizzy. Not that Juvia's lap was uncomfortable or anything, he actually rejoiced in having to finally lie on her after all this time. "Not exactly what I expected when I took over the position."
"There will be more to come. Juvia's punishment may have been the very first you had to give but it won't certainly be the only one. It is an example of what awaits you in the future, should you remain the Sabertooth guild master. Guilt is an emotion a guild master always has to deal with when it comes to having to act as such and not as a friend, because it means that you will have to take decisions that could hurt and cause great grief. The role of guild master shouldn't be taken this lightly, young one." The master Water Mage's expression became a little bit somber. "Try this: a guild master is like any father, he is the one who must protect and defend his children no matter what, whether it is from a legendary and powerful dragon or death itself. But he is also the one who is allowed to take the most drastic measures to every critical situation, the one who will always feel the most guilty about the consequences of these drastic measures and the one who will have the most trouble sleeping because he would keep remembering or hearing his children crying. Why do you think that all guild masters we know are quite aged? They all have experienced that kind of thing at one point in their life and must have experienced it again, so that's why they are chosen to be guild masters."
"I know all that!" Sting challenged, scowling at Zou.
"Do you?" Zou countered.
The blonde opened his mouth to confirm his answer, but never spoke. He closed and opened his mouth many times, only to remain silent in the end. In fact, his gaze held a look of silent bewilderment and realization that Juvia understood all too well, for she had experienced this one time; her man may have an idea that being a guild master didn't only mean that strength was the sole important thing in a guild, but that didn't mean that he knew all the hardships, the consequences and the aftermath a guild master had to endure and face. After all, Sting Eucliffe was still so young and so new about all this.
Like a newborn tiger that knew nothing about the world, he was still ignorant about everything that a guild master was to face, endure and decide. Face. Endure. Decide. Sting was still so inexperienced in his position, even Juvia could see it. It was just so palpable that it hurt to see him so lost and confused.
"You have to wonder if you have the will and enough of it to bear the title of guild master when times of despair will befall you, because when a situation will become hopeless, your friends and followers will turn to you for the next course of action. No matter what, it's always the leader who leads, who must have a plan and a back up plan, who must know what to do when the life of his comrades is at stake." Zou sighed heavily, closing his purple eyes. "If the guild master falls, then his followers fall with him. Life is but a giant chessboard on which everyone is gambling to live, whether it is fair or not – this, you must always remember."
Sting took Juvia's soft hands in his, surprising the Water Mage, and brought her close enough so that their bodies wouldn't leave any space between them; one hand snaked around her right thigh to hook it round his hip, the other nestling her head with care. He put his forehead against hers, his eyes boring into hers. They looked so dull that she couldn't help but feel even more worried and anguished instead of being aroused in such position. Their usual and familiar spark that always managed to light her mood was now gone and she didn't like it. Oh no, she didn't.
"Almost four weeks went by without seeing each other, that alone should have been enough to drive us crazy," he murmured. His lips brushed against hers as he kept talking. "I don't even know how you and I managed to remain sane and sound during all this time; Dragon Slayers and their mates shouldn't be separated and yet we... shit. Fuck. I don't want it to happen once again. Never again!"
The last words were hissed silently, as if not to disturb Lector's sleep next to them, but what drew Juvia's worry was the pained expression on his handsome face – they'd been together for more than a month now and Sting had always worn a happy expression with a smile that never ceased to make her heart race. The blonde smashed his mouth against hers without any warning, kissed her roughly while crushing her body against his.
Somehow this kiss was so different from all the others they've had – rough and passionate, joyous and incredibly sad. It described Sting's inner turmoil and hers as well, it described what simple words wouldn't be enough to express and explain because the Dragon Slayer knew they'd be useless. Juvia knew that her boyfriend was a man of action, he had always favored showing his intentions with actions because they mattered more than just words. Words and actions were so different on many levels.
"We almost lost sight of our path. We almost went crazy without each other... I missed you..."
He bit her lip in his anguish. Hard. Very hard. The bluenette let out a slight gasp of pain, immediately swallowed by Sting's breath-taking kiss, but she didn't complain; if this was the way he needed to let it all out, then she shall let him. If this was the only way for him to let it all out, then she shall respond in kind. Her arms snaked around his neck, pulling him even more closer as she kissed him just as hard. She wasn't even going to complain about the bruises and the blood she'd lose, because they were part of the pain love always brought along. The pain was alright with her, as long she could finally be happy in the end because it was worth it.
"How could you forgive me, Juvia? Could you even forgive me for putting you through this?"
He gulped audibly, fighting the painful urge to cry – because it was just so tempting, now that he had her in his arms once again. Sting pushed her on her back, imprisoned her hands in his above her head to assume complete control of the situation. His heart was beating madly in his ribcage, in synch with her own heartbeat. They both panted as he pushed her long legs apart to settle between her thighs. His sight was getting blurred by the tears forming in his blue eyes, but he didn't care.
"Never again," he muttered. "Never again. Never again, never again, never again, never again, never again." He chanted those words like a mantra twice more, his forehead against hers. Sting gritted his teeth. "I have you. I don't want to lose what has become so precious to me because of some fucking punishment or because I had to act as a guild master." He looked down at Juvia, whose eyes so similar to his – he had never thought how they looked so alike but now... now they truly looked alike. – had watered due to the swirl of emotions that was overwhelming them. Her lips were swollen and bleeding a little. But gods, was she beautiful. "I need you. Dammit Juvia, I need you more than air."
He felt her grip his hands tightly, her nails biting in his flesh. Sting didn't even flinch, for this pain was nothing compared to the one that had been constricting him for three weeks and a half. His gaze fell on the anti-magic collar around her neck. His eyes narrowed dangerously. That damn thing. Right. All this guilt and this self-hatred came from that thing tied to his mate, who shouldn't even be wearing it in the first place.
"It would be so simple to break that damn device," Sting said lowly. His teeth came to bite into the metallic device, but not too hard. It was so tempting, because he would be able to lick the tender skin of her neck, as if he wanted to heal her wounds by himself. One snap of his jaws and that was it. "You'd be free of that burden, Juvia. Screw that punishment, I've already disrespected the rules by coming to you and I don't care. I. Don't. Fucking. Care. They can't separate us."
A broken sob escaped her. She closed her watery eyes. "Sting..."
His name. Her saying his name. He had always loved it, this was music to his ears. The blonde let out a shaky sigh as his teeth grazed the swell of her ample bosoms, now that he was unbuttoning her blouse. "Say it again. Please," he begged, uncaring if he sounded pathetic. "Please."
"Sting..."
His hot tongue licked a trail of fire along the valley of her breasts, his hands played with the creamy mounds both expertly and roughly, making the lovely bluenette sigh in pleasure and breathe a little quicker. She arched against him, bucking her hips against his and he groaned slowly, waves of pleasure washing over him. Feeling that it wasn't enough, he bit her once again. Hard. "Again," he demanded harshly and he thrust into her, earning himself a throaty moan he enjoyed. "I want to hear you say my name, I want to hear you moan and scream it like before. But before that –"
The tightness in his pants was becoming incredibly painful, along with his guilt. Before all this shit, Sting Eucliffe had no idea that guilt could have such impact in his relationship with his mate – especially when he was partly responsible for her anguish. However, he was prepared and willing to fix this: the consequences of this punishment had created a sort of distance between them – even he had noticed how hesitant Juvia had been when she had seen him and Lector with Hoenn. While she did jump in his arms, it had taken her two entire minutes to do so when it should have taken less than a second. Sting had seen her tears, her sadness, had felt them even though he was away from her – he hated all this. He needed to make things right.
His fingers traced the dampness along her clothed clit and rubbed the entrance teasingly, causing Juvia to squirm and whimper under his torture. The blonde could hear her heartbeat, so wild and familiar because he hadn't listened to it for such a long time since last time, and he loved it; his fangs sank into the flesh of her stomach, creating yet another mark, while his fingers tugged on her panties to pull them down and throw the useless cloth behind.
" – I need to make sure that I can be forgiven. D-do I still have the right to desire you even after what I did to you? Do I still have the right to harbour those feelings for you? Do we still have a chance to have each other after all this shit?" He swallowed with difficulty, his tears now streaming down his cheeks. Sting felt her hands in his hair, as soothing as ever, but it didn't calm him down right away. Not this time. His arms wrapped themselves around her middle and he bit another patch of skin of her stomach, some tears falling. "Your master is right: I'm angry, I feel so much guilt, and all this because I had to do the right thing. But shouldn't have I done the right choice instead? Shouldn't have I taken your side, not just because you're my mate and I love you, but because I felt like it was both the right choice and the right thing to do? Damn it all, why is it so unfair to be impartial? Especially when the woman you love is the one who will be hurt in the end?"
He sucked a breath, screwing his eyes shut and breathing in Juvia's natural and hypnotizing scent. "I really hate my position right now, this isn't what I expected when I took over. I-I-I... I can't bring myself to hurt the woman I've come to love. No, I can't."
Sting started to shake in her embrace, making the bluenette wind her arms around his body to rock him back and forth. Her face was stained with tears she couldn't stop, but her eyes were still clear as she looked down at the man who had come back to her, the man who had disregarded the rules of her punishment to be reunited with her, the man who had cast his pride aside to prove that all rules shall be damned when it came to emotions –
The one man who just confessed to her.
It didn't register to her brain right away, because she still needed to calm him down. If he was disturbed, then she was disturbed as well and it wouldn't do anything good to both of them. Having sex right now wasn't going to solve anything, on the contrary: they needed to sort things out first, to let everything out in the open so they could fix what has been broken (trust, friendship and confidence.). And once those three concepts are finally rebuilded together, Sting and Juvia shall rise again, like the phoenix, as they'd become for more than a month before it was cracked.
She took a deep, shaky breath. "What we need is a spiritual journey," Juvia whispered, stroking Sting's wild hair. She sniffed, shaking her head a little. "A healing, spiritual journey. Together. You and I. That's what I would have suggested for us and that's what I'm suggesting right now: I wanted you to come here, Sting. That's why I needed Gajeel and Lily to be away."
He didn't react much, didn't lift his head to stare up at her, but his arms did freeze – a sign that he was indeed listening to what she was saying. Juvia continued.
"You must have been... angry and so worried about me, I know. I felt it. But I just wanted you to come after me because I couldn't bear this situation any longer; the need to get away from the others, from Fairy Tail..." She bit her busted lips, frowning. It seemed so wrong and awkward to say it, but she couldn't just pretend to ignore the denial and truth any more: she had to get away from them, for some time at least, where she didn't want them to follow. "Master once told me, before sending me off in Fiore after those two years of training, that I could always find him and Hoenn whenever I feel like straying from my path. More than a master, more than a butler..." she trailed off, her misty eyes concentrating on the darkening sky. "... they were the only ones who knew me more than I know myself."
"I'm sorry for making you worried about me, Sting," she whispered to him sorrowfully, her fingers still stroking his hair in a soothing manner. "This wasn't my intention. What I wanted to get at was that spiritual journey I need to go with you. With Lector, Master and Hoenn. Because I'm not alone in this, you are in the same state and even though I've already forgiven you for putting us through this, there are things to sort out." She paused for a minute at least, letting Sting ponder about what she just said. Then she coaxed him to look at her, which he did slowly.
There were still tears in his eyes but the dull gaze that had been present was now gone, replaced by a gleam of hope shining in those dark blue orbs she had grown to love. Juvia attempted a small smile, cupping his cheeks.
"You're here, that's what matters. Don't you think, mate?"
"...right," he said slowly, blinking repeatedly. Then his eyes widened in realization as he finally grasped her words and he shifted to a sitting position on top of her. "You're right."
"You're here, that's what matters."
Why didn't he think of it sooner? Instead of breaking down in front of his beloved mate, he could've just reminded Juvia that he had purposely set out to join her; asking Gajeel about her whereabouts had been his idea, catching a train toward Spa Hosenka Town had been his idea and joining her with her master and that strange butler had been his idea. Sting had wanted to be with her and that was it. He growled lowly, clearing his watery eyes.
At least, I'm all out, he thought as he plopped back next to her on the futon. I don't have to act tough, right? Juvia, now smiling brightly despite her puffy eyes, joined him. Sting caught his mate by the waist, holsted her so that she was lying on top of him – he missed feeling the warmth of her skin against his naked torso, that always managed to calm him down and even though he was itching to make love to her right now, the blonde Dragon Slayer just wanted to revel in her presence and touch without having sex right now. He did sigh in pleasure when Juvia nuzzled his neck, he did purr when she caressed his muscles, her ample bosoms rubbing against his skin and her naked... Gods, she was naked!
Clenching his teeth, Sting tried hard not to give in – his dragon was throbbing inside of him, begging to be released and ravage his mate. "Juv," he half-growled, half-whispered.
"Mmh?" she hummed in his ear.
And she's aware of that fact. "Don't tempt me," he warned her sternly, closing his eyes. The dirty images that flashed through his mind at great speed weren't helping either and her lips and her strokes... she was slowly driving him crazy. "I might ravage you right here if you don't stop."
She giggled. "You might?" she repeated, suspicious and teasing.
His hand, which was previously stroking her hip, now cupped her firm ass and squeezed. Hard. Sting opened his eyes to stare up at her, exposing the barely restrained desire blazing in his heated gaze. "Fine," he said, smirking arrogantly. "I will ravage if you keep provoking me in this state of undress." The blonde reached a hand to grab the back of her head so that their foreheads were touching. He slowly licked her swollen lips, earning him a small moan of pleasure from the bluenette, which made him smirk in delight. "That won't end well for you, Juv. You have no idea how much I missed you during those three weeks; I will totally dominate you, you will be at my complete mercy and I –"
Sting stopped short when he watched Juvia getting rid of the blouse, exposing her body to him. She threw it behind her, still staring down at him with the same heated gaze. The sight was sinful. Beautifully sinful. The Dragon Slayer instantly knew he couldn't hold it any longer, for his sanity all but snapped.
"They better not disturb us," he growled as he crashed his lips on hers for a rough kiss, flipping them over so that he was on top. "To hell with it." He slacked his boxers down his hips, immediately thrusting forward.
"You're here, that's what matters."
Yes. That was what will always matter in the end.
He didn't mean to pry, but Lector could find himself immensely relieved as he listened to the sounds of pleasure, his ear stuck against the wooden door. They hadn't noticed him slip past them quietly and, to be frank, the Exceed was glad they hadn't; Sting and Juvia had been putting up a front instead of expressing themselves after talking with the Water Mage's master. It could have just been a matter of stubborn pride, because the blonde wasn't one to cry easily (just when his dearest friend's life was in danger. Or when he had originally thought that Lector was dead. And especially when he'd been so relieved and thankful to see that his furry friend was safe and sound.). But when he heard those quiet sobs from both mates inside Juvia's room, Lector knew that Sting's emotions couldn't be held up any longer, so he had finally broken down. Better sooner than later, the red cat thought as he strolled away. Because he didn't know if his friend could have handled the loneliness any longer, even though this was Sting Eucliffe. He's still human, after all. And a man in love.
Discovering his feelings about Juvia had been a pleasant surprise for Lector – there was now a woman worth his might and attention who had earned his loyalty, his respect and his heart. The Exceed had heard that confessing his love to someone meant swallowing his pride, bracing himself for either rejection or acceptation... well, that was a stressful moment for someone in love. However, things had turned out for the better after Juvia Lockser decided to move on and try a relationship with Sting – ignoring the bond with a Dragon Slayer could have turned sour and very stressful for both mates, Juvia's friends from Fairy Tail wouldn't have liked it at all. At least, Natsu Dragneel, Gajeel Redfox and Wendy Marvel would have understood, for they were Dragon Slayers as well.
"I take it they're finally letting it all out," Lector heard from the kitchen. He lifted his head to see a pair of golden eyes looking down at him, solemn and gentle. Hoenn nodded at him, putting a plate of fried fish on the table. "About damn time. I was wondering when they'd finally break down, 'cause that brave and courageous front they both put up earlier was kind of pissing me off."
Lector was wary of that butler, Hoenn. There was something mysterious and... unsettling about him under that relaxed behaviour of his – he couldn't put a finger on it. From what he'd learnt from their first meeting with Zou, Hoenn had raised and trained Juvia with his special martial arts for the two years she spent with them. The man seemed easy-going, funny and quite cool despite his crude comments about spying on Juvia and Sting when they were having sex (he still didn't know how he managed to escape Sting's deadly blows unscathed when he bluntly told him he had played Peeping Tom on them, the butler was quite agile and elusive.).
The red Exceed nodded in agreement as he jumped onto the table, his stomach growling in hunger. "Sting's been like this for the past three weeks," Lector mumbled, his downcast expression. "Nothing could really cheer him up and he'd bury himself in his work and missions. It was really sad and tense for a long while, so I'm happy they can finally let it all out."
"You tried everything, huh? Reminds me when I went to fetch Lil' Blue at the train station; her expression was..." Hoenn tried not to snarl hatefully in front of the young Exceed, but his golden eyes seemed to flash dangerously, startling the cat who was enjoying his meal. "And that thing tied around her neck... dammit, how could they do something like this? She loves them as a family!"
The butler growled as he slammed a hand against his forehead, eyes shut and his features scrunched up in visible frustration. Lector might not know the man very well, but it was pretty clear that he cared a lot about Juvia. Something that might unnerve one possessive Dragon Slayer.
Lector swallowed the mouthful of fried fish. "How... how was she when you went to fetch her?" he asked in a small voice.
"Horrible. She looked horrible. Far from the cheerful and always glowing young woman she'd become when Fairy Tail took her under its wing. You see, back when she still hadn't had a good grasp of her power, getting Lil' Blue to smile had proven to be the most difficult thing to ever accomplish: and since she had never seen how beautiful the sky could get when the rain clouds are away, Lil' Blue had quickly become an indesirable outcast to the society. That's pretty rare for someone so young to be able to affect the weather, you know. The weather, kitty cat. Not even Ol' Zou can do what she does." A brief silence took place between the Exceed and the butler. Hoenn faced Lector, his golden hues piercing through his skull. "Her guild broke her trust and confidence by tying that anti-magic collar around her neck, it's not gonna be easy to fix this. But if that dragon of hers –"
"Sting," Lector corrected hotly, frowning at the man. "His name is Sting, you two-coloured freak!"
"– can manage to bring back that Lil' Blue when even I really can't because her smiles aren't genuine, I might think that he's the right one for her and not that bad of a guy. Yeah, I might think that he's even more worth her love and attention than that Ice Mage," Hoenn finished with a humming sound. He blinked slowly, as if realizing he had said something quite... encouraging about the White Dragon Slayer.
Which didn't go unnoticed by Lector, who smiled smugly, arms crossed. "Well, of course: Sting is the be –"
He was abruptly cut off by a loud, lustful scream of pleasure, immediately followed by an animalistic growl that could only belong to the Dragon Slayer. Lector shuddered, surprised and wide-eyed while the butler grinned slyly. Just like that, the atmosphere seemed to change completely, as if he and the Exceed weren't having a serious conversation about the situation the Water Mage has been thrown into. Really, those two have a great timing, Lector thought with a sweat-drop.
"Damn rabbits," Hoenn snickered, folding his tattooed arms – tattooed, for God's sake! Wasn't he a butler? – over his torso. He blew one of his bangs, eyes gleaming. "He hasn't been here for one day and he's already making her scream. Are they addicts?"
"Hey!" Lector protested strongly. "Watch your mouth, you're talking about my friends!"
"They'll be at until next morning, that I'm sure of it."
"I'm warning you, two-coloured freak!"
But as the Exceed kept bickering with the butler about Sting and Juvia's libido, there was one master Water Mage who was deep in thought. This whole ordeal with Sting Eucliffe added some... adjustments to their plans; since Juvia had already requested him and his furry friend to come along with them to the snowy mountains after spending some days in Spa Town Hosenka, Zou couldn't really refuse. The young guild master was a strong-willed, stubborn one of nature who would have followed them all the way to the mountains, even if the master Water Mage had refused this favor. If Zou had understood the basics of that peculiar thing called 'Dragon mating' when Sting gave explanations of that phenomenon, the likelihood of seeing the blonde all over his precious student until she was ready to go back was damn high.
The Dragon Slayer was enamoured with Juvia and she with him – it was so obvious that it was so annoying to even think about it. The bond between him and Juvia was just too deep, too hardened and complicated to be brushed off just like that; if their emotions were linked and always shared through that bond, then separating them would cause him problems. And that Dragon Slayer would think of a nasty payback, should he try something.
But again... it was Sting Eucliffe who had come to Juvia first. As if he knew he was the one she needed the most right now. If he could make her smile and laugh despite her miserable situation until everything gets back to normal and that abomination around her neck is off, then Zou will have to have faith in him.
Hm... things are going to get quite interesting for the next weeks, he thought, sipping his green tea. At least, maybe he won't have to deal with some Fairy Tail mages. Zou just had to hope they won't show up in his house, barging and destroying everything.
[The first part of the punishment, third week, "Day Five".]
"You've made a rather good impression on master Zou, Sting," Juvia commented, a fond smile playing on her lips as she watched him wolf down his food. "I was terrified he'd drown you but somehow... you overcame his expectations.
The blonde paused in his meal, swallowed the food in his mouth and sent her a cocky smirk. "I told you I'd handle it, didn't I? It's not like I was going to let someone else separate you from me. Besides," Sting added as he leaned toward the blue-haired woman, making her blush. His dark blue eyes held her captive from his penetrating, heated gaze. "I made a promise to your master. You better remember it, Siren."
Her heartbeat picked up at that, causing Juvia to smile gleefully. How could she forget his words from yesterday, when he confronted her master? This had been an epic speech she would remember all her life, as long as she got to spend it by his side.
"So I'm still new to this. News flash, I already know that," Sting growled as he forced himself to sit up straight, despite the effects of Zou's Sonata pulsing through his body like shockwaves. He glared fiercely at Zou, whose purple eyes seemed to pierce through him. "And I'm working on it. What makes a leader? What makes a king? What makes a guild master? I've wondered about all this when I chose to take over the position of Sabertooth guild master. It has to be similar qualities that I'm currently working on to become what I'm supposed to be to Juvia and my friends at Sabertooth; someone who knows how to take the right decisions and the right choices when the situation requires it. But that's not enough. No, I need to be the kind of man to know what would and should matter to me and my friends first so I'll know how to protect them – Juvia being first," he claimed, snaking an arm around said Water Mage's waist to pull her against him. She didn't protest but looked up at him, both awed and curious. "I may be a guild master but I'm a Dragon Slayer to begin with. And a Dragon Slayer will always protect what is more important and precious to him, from everything and even the world if he has to. Juvia will be there to help me if I'm losing it, she will be there to help me getting back on my feet if my friends fail at doing it. Because I want her to be there for me, just as I'll always be there for her."
Sting dipped his head, his blonde bangs shielding his eyes in the process. "So that's why... that's why..."
To say that everyone was surprised by his next action would be a stupid understatement. No, everyone was stupefied when Sting Eucliffe bowed his head low on the carpet in front of Zou Arashikage, his hands supporting his weight.
"...that's why I want you to put your faith in me. I will make Juvia happy, this I swear on my life!"
Juvia came back to earth when she felt his teeth sink into the flesh of her left shoulder, making her jump in surprise. Sting chuckled darkly, obviously enjoying himself. "Daydreaming about me, Siren?" he whispered in her ear, nuzzling his face against her shoulder.
The bluenette ran a hand into his wild, blonde hair, sighing contentedly and biting her lips. The other hand caressed the right side of his face lovingly. "Yeah," she admitted. "You swallowed your pride in front of my master, you bowed your head in front of him... this calls for respect, Sting."
"And?" he pressed, biting her ear. His fingers were already stroking her thighs, creating lines of fire along her smooth skin. "Isn't there anything else you'd like to tell me?"
Juvia shuddered, losing focus because of the desire igniting her senses and warming her insides. "I got you, Sting." She breathed hard as she snaked her arms around his neck, coming onto his lap. The blonde welcomed her hug eagerly, his own arms wrapping themselves around her middle to hold her tight. "I got you, I got you, I got you. You're ready to sacrifice yourself to make me happy, and I want to return the favor," she said with conviction, not even bothering to fight her tears of joy. "You won't be alone in this, I promise."
Sting's dark blue eyes widened in surprise as he listened to her. Was she referring to...?
"If only I had known sooner that my life would be tied to yours one day, that you'd be willing to give the love I've always wanted from Gray Fullbuster, that you'd cast your pride aside to bow your head in front of my master, that you'd be the one to make me discover a whole new world, I would have hunted you down to make you mine." She chortled happily, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Where have you been all this time, Sting Eucliffe?"
His fingers were starting to dig into the bare flesh of her hips. "Juvia...," Sting tried to say, but the name was constricted in his throat. What she was saying was...just too emotional.
"I got you, Sting," she repeated strongly, nuzzling her face in his neck. "I got you, I got you, I got you, I got you..."
And she whispered the words he longed to hear – those same words he desired to hear since last night, with passion and speaking the truth. Those words that made him feel so whole and peaceful at the same time.
Shock could be visible on Sting's face as he processed the words Juvia has just whispered to him, stupor reflecting in his eyes. This wasn't a joke, she meant it. She meant it, she meant it. She wasn't lying, he could tell: her heartbeat was wild and erratic, her eyes were shining with so much emotion that he could cry.
They were supposed to go out today, buy some supplies with an energetic Hoenn and enjoy the spa, but instead, Sting Eucliffe had other plans with his Water Mage; she couldn't even protest when he carried her toward the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind them.
[First part of the punishment, third week, "Day Six".]
"Out," Zou demanded firmly, his purple eyes flashing dangerously at the two lovers, who just blinked innocently at him. "You've been having sex in this house for two whole days, I think that's more than enough. That's more than I can take, so off with you two in the town." He waved his hand at them, walking away toward the dojo.
Juvia frowned, confused and blushing madly. "U-um, master..."
Zou shook his head. "No, Juvia. You two need fresh air."
"Is it because we were having sex in the dojo?" Sting asked bluntly, smirking broadly and folding his arms behind his head in the process.
Juvia almost stopped breathing, mortified. Needless to say, her mate had always been this blunt and shameless about his antics. If he didn't want to beat around the bush, then he won't. Not even in front of her master. When Zou suddenly stopped walking, the bluenette took it as their cue to leave; she grabbed Sting's hand and pulled him along with her, trying to block out his laughter.
"I can't believe you just said that," Juvia hissed at him once they were out in the streets, her face still flushed and cerulean bangs hiding her eyes. She crossed her arms and refused to face Sting, who just rolled his eyes at her attitude.
"I didn't hear you complaining, which means that you were just fine with that," he stated.
"I'm not!" she retorted, whirling around to glare at him.
The blonde merely raised a skeptical eyebrow while smirking at her. "Oh? You sure about that, Juv?"
The two lovers held a staring match for a whole minute during which the Water Mage tried her best not to succumb to the temptation of kissing and touching Sting – she'd have their bond as mates to thank for that! When Juvia sighed and closed her eyes in defeat, the Dragon Slayer chuckled in triumph before pulling her close to him, not leaving space between them.
Sting cupped her cheek, staring down at her with a loving, passionate look. "I've never had the intention to hold my part of the punishment," he whispered to Juvia, surprising her as she opened her eyes to look up at him. He put his forehead against hers, crushing her soft body tight against his. "It may be dishonest but Master Makarov has to understand how the Dragon mating works; you would have been very sick because of my prolonged absence had I not chosen to hunt you down to Spa Town Hosenka."
She was confused, very confused. The blonde seemed to guess her hesitation, so he went on. "All these times we've parted ways because we didn't want anybody to know about us couldn't have affected our health: we've always made sure to go look for each other at least twice a week, that's enough to remain in good health for some time." He pecked her lips, rejoicing in her dazed expression. "If anything, I would have kidnapped you without any regret."
Oh yes, Sting Eucliffe would have and Juvia Lockser didn't doubt it. When was the last time he lied to her about them? He had always kept his promises, whether they were meant to be broken or not. He had always been there to reassure her, especially at the aftermath of their first time when they've had sex to become bonded as mates – Juvia couldn't count the times he had patiently dried her tears when she had been ready to face him, the guilt and shame almost eating her out. And now, look at us, she mused as she let out a quiet chortle, winding her arms around Sting's neck to press herself against him.
"So don't you dare giving up on us or on living, okay? I'm sure everything will work out just fine. After all," he trailed off, his smile growing lovingly. "I got you as well. I got you."
Unable to voice her thanks, Juvia nodded with a bright smile. Sting smiled right back, then pulled her along with him as he started to walk toward one of the few clothing stores in Spa Town Hosenka. He spouted something about getting new clothes for her, for Lector and for himself, and looked interestedly from right to left.
How does he do that? Juvia wondered with a blush, staring at their intertwined hands. Just by saying some words, Sting managed to make her forget about her ordeal and the blasted anti-magic collar she'd have to wear for less than six weeks from now on – unless Master Makarov decided otherwise. What had become a recurrent habit to try clawing at her neck to tear that thing off was now forgotten: her fingers no longer itched to scratch her skin now that Sting had held them in his, both warm and reassuring. You're not alone in this, Siren, he had told her in the midst of their carnal embrace, his lips hovering over hers. I'm with you. Together, we'll overcome this. Don't you ever forget that! We don't have to act tough, right?
Had he always been like this? Especially with Lector first?
The couple finally entered a clothing store selling about everything – clothes, accessories, which made Juvia's eyes sparkle like sapphires and she dashed further inside, causing the blonde to snicker in amusement before following her.
From what he knew about his mate, Juvia Lockser, she loved wearing hats – seeing her without one was kind of... weird. She was gorgeous with or without a hat, but if that accessory was missing, Sting wouldn't recognize his girlfriend. She was kind of different without a hat to complement her attire so, with that thought in mind, he looked around the store for any hats they had to sell – thus forgetting that he needed another jacket to buy to his collection.
He was attracting some – unwanted – attention from the women inside the store; usually he'd have sent them a flirting smirk and wink, seduced one pretty girl to hook up with later on and then threw her away once he got what he wanted from her. But now that he committed himself to Juvia after having mated with her, he found himself unable to appreciate looking at other women – unsurprisingly. Baislogia had told him that no other woman would be able to have his attention once he'd found the one woman whom he'll spend his life with, and now that he'd found Juvia, he couldn't even bring himself to make crude comments on women and their body. Sting smirked, putting his hands in his pockets as he walked through rows of clothes.
Unfortunately, that didn't mean he was immune to their comments:
"Is that Sting Eucliffe from Sabertooth?"
"He's so handsome!"
"Do you think he's still single?"
"Oh, what if he looks my way and thinks I'm worth his attention?"
The blonde Dragon Slayer sweat-dropped, eyebrow twitching. Sometimes, being one of the most handsome men in Fiore when you were secretly in a relationship didn't stop fan-girls from going after you, lust and obscene desire flaring in their eyes – that was almost scary, now that he thought about it. One glance toward Juvia assured him that she was fine for now, no creeps ogling her and no jealous fan-girls to threaten her to leave him alone. His gaze followed the alluring curves that white blouse had to offer – from her ample bust to those long, slender legs with this creamy white skin. She had chosen to wear small black boots with heels, which left more skin in the open for everyone to see. Especially creeps, he thought as he scowled darkly. He was about to go to her when he noticed something above her head.
Hats. Top hats. Quite fancy-looking that Juvia will definitely love. There were tons of them. Sting smiled, walking toward the blue-haired beauty unnoticed. He was still silent when he plucked a black top hat with a midnight blue knot and strip around it, feeling quite satisfied.
"Here," he said proudly, placing the top hat on top of her head.
She blinked, turning around. "Huh?" She lifted a hand to touch the hat, surprised. She took it off to look at it with blinking eyes. The top hat was definitely an eye candy, something that only aristocrats would wear. Slowly, a bright smile found its way to her lips. That's right, she hadn't been wearing hats for quite some time ever since she committed herself to a relationship with Sting Eucliffe. He remembered, she thought gleefully, putting the top hat back on her head. "I love it!"
The blonde folded his arms over his torso, proud of himself. "Thought so," he said, smirking. Then he leaned toward her, making the Water Mage take two steps back until her back hit the wall. Sting followed suit and put his hands on the wall, effectively trapping his mate on the spot. She was still smiling, though there was an adorable blush spreading on her cheeks. "How about a kiss to thank me for those hats?" he whispered, teasing her hormones with his deep voice.
A kiss? Sure, why not? But...
In public? Where there were many eyes turned toward them? Where their relationship would be finally exposed to the world?
Juvia stared hard and long into Sting's eyes, her blush already fanning. Even though he was still smirking seductively, she could tell he wasn't joking about it; he would have burst out laughing by now if it were a stupid joke. Maybe he had had enough of meeting in secret as if their relationship was some sort of taboo, maybe he was tired of having to keep pretending he didn't have someone when it was clearly the opposite, maybe he was sick of being that flirting Sting Eucliffe from Sabertooth.
If he was being serious about them together, then he truly was serious about making it official. To the world, to their friends and, most importantly, to themselves.
"Are you ready for this?" she asked in a whisper, her hands coming to rest on his naked torso and caress his abs.
Sting hummed in agreement. "Are you?" he shot back, whispering as well.
Juvia sighed in bliss when his body filled the very small space between them. His forehead came to rest on hers, his eyes never straying. "There will be no turning back." Her hands traveled all the way up to his face, stroking the smooth skin she knew she'll always be the only one to do so. "No regrets, no change of heart – nothing."
"You're mine, Juvia. As much as I'm yours. So to hell with all the fuckers who don't agree with us being together." Sting slowly licked her plump lips, earning him a small moan of pleasure, and grabbed a handful of her cerulean hair to hold her like this. "Let's do it. I'm tired of all the secrecy, I'm sick of having to put you and I, our relationship, in the shadows because some guys in your guild still hold a grudge against Sabertooth. Let it out, Baby, let it out."
Onto this day, citizens from Spa Town Hosenka could witness something truly amazing, but still surprising; two mages coming from two different guilds, once rivals to the bitter end until all was settled in the Grand Magic Games, sealed their relationship in public for the first time in a searing, rough make-out session in a clothing store.
Let It Out, Baby, Let It Out.
Even secrets some people want to keep silent until they were buried with them into the tomb can't go on without being told at least once in life.
[First part of the punishment, end of the third week, "Day Seven".]
"Say, Juvia," Lector wondered aloud, his eyes looking up to the blue-haired Water Mage who was holding him in her arms. Dark blue eyes looked down at the red Exceed, loving and gentle. "What's in that package in your room?"
Sting, who was in the process of wolfing down his eggs and bacon, paused to turn toward his mate, an eyebrow raised in question. Juvia's eyes lit up in recognition. "Ah, this? Just winter coats, boots and gloves. For the three of us." When all they did was looking at her blankly, she giggled and went on to explain. "You know, Master Zou likes travelling to the snowy mountains from time to time. That's why he hardly lives here: the only times he comes down is to enjoy the hot springs in Spa Town Hosenka." Swiftly, she snatched one pancake from Sting's plate and bit on it, who protested loudly with a 'Hey! You've got yours, don't touch mine!'. She blew him a raspberry, teasing. "So we'll be going to the mountains in quite a bit."
The blonde grimaced, his eyes widening in mock stupor. "Leaving this town and going into the cold, really? Is your master kind of crazy?" he asked, annoyance dripping his tone as he shoved a mouthful of eggs in his mouth.
The bluenette bonked him in the head, frowning. "You might want to keep it down, Sting. That's my master you're talking about." Juvia sighed, then patted his back when Sting started coughing. She didn't want him to strangle himself with his food and die, she loved him way too much. "It's just that snow is water in another form – in other terms, another field of expertise for us Water Mages." She smiled fondly, feeling nostalgic. She could clearly remember her younger self playing in the snow, trying to solidify the water under the freezing temperature in order to build a snowman. That had been funny. "Master Zou feels more comfortable in an environment where water is everywhere, so do I."
You used to play in the snow, huh? Sting thought as he looked at her faraway gaze and her nostalgic smile. For a few seconds, he wondered what it must feel like; was it cold? Was it cool? Was it... amusing? He coughed one last time, cleared his strained throat and took a large gulp of air as he let himself being embraced by the lovely bluenette, whose smile will always make his heart skip one beat before speeding up.
"Please, come with me!" Juvia exclaimed, hope shining brightly in her eyes. "You'll like it, I swear!"
Could he say no to her, especially when he traveled all the way to the west? The Dragon Slayer chuckled, stroking her backside toward her ass.
Lector tried to squeeze himself out of the pressed bodies, which he succeeded, and breathed. "But why the mountains?" he asked, panting. "Couldn't he have chosen a forest or something? There's water in a forest."
"And most importantly, life as well," Juvia added, attempting to snatch another pancake from Sting's plate, but he deftly caught her wrist in his hand this time. She tried with her other hand – same result. The Water Mage pouted and puffed her cheeks, but Sting didn't appear fazed as he glared at her. "Plants do need water to grow and live, right? If we use our Water magic, that could cause some serious damages to the forest; water could be drained if we want to, it could – all right, Honey, I won't try again! – severely salvage any living being." Juvia sighed and relaxed, seemingly giving up on snatching her mate's food. She smiled at the Exceed. "See? Forests would grow back one day, but it will take so much years."
"I see," Lector muttered, his eyes widening in understanding.
"Huh. Not as stuck up as I thought," Sting huffed, holding Juvia's wrists in one hand and taking one pancake to bite on it, earning him another adorable pout. The blonde winked mockingly at her and swallowed. "At least he's not just a philosopher, but a protector of nature and life. Would have never imagined such thing."
Juvia smiled widely at him. "So, does your respect for him go up?"
"No," he answered bluntly.
An amused chortle escaped her. "That's what I thought."
A few hours later, Juvia dragged Sting and Lector to Hosenka's Ryokan to enjoy the hot spring; the water here held healing properties everyone could benefit from – something Juvia had been taught by Zou himself. If she could concentrate hard on trying to save one's life instead of taking it, she could use another property of Water magic. Water healing was one of the most difficult techniques to learn and even excellent Water Mages had trouble trying to use it – one had to be gifted with it. Zou himself had once told her he couldn't use the water healing technique.
This won't be easy once she gets her powers back, but Juvia was all the more willing to get back to her current level. Making up for these nine weeks without magic was going to be a pain but, if Sting was willing to help her out, then she won't have anything to fear. Especially not after they publicly officialized their relationship (though Juvia was a bit thankful not to have reporters rushing to her with questions at once, that didn't mean they weren't going to show up at some point; it may be tomorrow or right after the end of her punishment.).
Making her way toward the hot spring, Juvia couldn't help the goofy grin on her lips and the blush spreading on her cheeks. Official, their relationship was official. Finally. And she'd been so worried and anxious about everyone's reaction at first that she hadn't been able to think that some people might support them – Mirajane, for example, might finally come to her senses and appreciate what she's been feeling and living with Sting ever since they got together in secrecy. Lisanna and Levy could be told as well... even Lucy, Erza and Cana, if Juvia felt like it. It wasn't like they had really done something, albeit being very nosey.
The blue-haired woman penetrated inside the onsen, already feeling the hot steam of the water on her skin, and smiled as she walked in view. Sting was alone in the water – Lector had gone to sleep in their room, having enjoyed the water a bit too much for his taste –, leaning back with his elbows to steady himself, a relaxed expression plastered on his handsome features. He had his eyes closed to enjoy the warmth. Juvia bit her lip as her eyes reveled in his muscles, rippling in the water with some droplets slowly trickling down his torso. A warm sensation washed over her, heating her body at once, and she let out a shaky breath. Damn hormones.
A lecherous, seductive smirk slowly curved his mouth. "I can smell you, Darling," he said in a smooth voice, sending pleasant shivers down her back. He opened one eye to look at Juvia, where she could see the desire pooling in this blue orb – it was so intense that she could feel herself panting for air. Her heart, her body, her soul craved him – were craving him right now. And he could feel it as well, for he motioned her to come closer with a finger. "Come. Don't leave me hanging all by myself."
Juvia gulped, her heartbeat picking up. Gods, he was so dreamy. And who was she to refuse him?
She didn't notice when her towel left her, leaving her body completely exposed to Sting's hungry eyes. She couldn't care less, her body was acting on its own. She felt the water on her skin as she marched toward him, holding his heated and lustful gaze with her own, even though it raked over her like a falcon eyeing its prey. She felt his hands on her hips, pulling her flush against him and awakening her instincts, and welcomed his rough kiss happily.
Sting and Juvia might have forgotten that they were in a hot spring – a public place, which was even more alarming – and the fact that they didn't seem to care would have been even more disconcerting. However, the idea of doing something naughty in a public place was very appealing, especially when said lovers had been separated for three weeks. The need to get together in an intimate embrace after living separatively for quite some time couldn't be restrained any longer when it concerned a Dragon Slayer and his mate; making love five or six times a week would be satisfying. For a while.
He squeezed her ass possessively, earning himself a small moan of pleasure, before trailing a hand down her thigh to hook it around his hip. His lips left hers, leaving a small trail of saliva between them, then ghosted over the obstacle around her neck. He groaned, bucking his hips. The blonde was itching to bite her mating mark under the anti-magic collar, thus itching to tear it off Juvia's neck. It would be so easy to claw it off but, like she claimed, he was willing to wait until the end.
Hm. That hot spring actually reminded her of an exercise Master Zou had taught her years ago; being a Water Mage meant that she could manipulate her element to her will, becoming one with it. But after having seen how unique her ability to actually turn into water itself really was, the master Water Mage had proceeded to teach her how to breathe underwater. Not that many Water Mages were all able to do this, but Zou had always told her this:
"You really are one of a kind, young Juvia. You might actually be the first one to turn your body into your own element... yes. Maybe the only one to be able to do something like this."
Feeling bold, Juvia licked the droplets on his torso, making Sting growl in pleasure. He grabbed a handful of her cerulean hair with one hand, stroking her thigh hooked around his hip with the other. "Mmmh... can I try something, Honey?" she asked, teasing the nipple with the tip of her tongue and caressing his muscles.
Sting purred, but gave a growl as an answer to whatever she had in mind. He felt her smile against his skin before she kissed and licked her way down.
"Let's see if I can still hold my breath for much more time without my powers."
Before the blonde could voice a question, she disappeared underwater. Before he could understand what she was implying, he could feel soft hands taking a hold of his throbbing member. Before he could even protest, he felt her tongue and mouth, and all Sting Eucliffe could do was throw his head back, close his eyes and moan in pleasure.
"Damn, Darling... don't stop..."
"...Who is 'Darling', Sting Eucliffe?"
What?
He straightened himself jerkily, utterly surprised and wide-eyed. No, no, no, not again! Who the hell was it this time? The blonde tried his best to look nonchalant, despite the fact that his girlfriend was giving him one hell of a blowjob, and looked at the entrance.
Only to almost let out a curse.
Silver hair, a cool gaze and a cold attitude that was way too familiar for his taste – because this man was madly in love with his girlfriend and would start a scene if he knew where she was and what she was doing at the moment. Since the news of Sting's fight with Gray Fullbuster hadn't spread to Lamia Scale, there was no way that Lyon Vastia, Gray Fullbuster's former comrade, would know anything about his relationship with Juvia. Nonetheless, the fact that he was here was a big problem and to be honest with himself, Sting wanted him gone so that he could ravage his blue-haired woman in this hot spring. But really? Him, here? Really?
Damn it. The blonde shivered and bit back a throaty growl when her tongue licked him long and slow. Lyon slid into the water, sighing in pleasure with a content smile. "It's a surprise to see you here, Sting," the Ice Mage remarked politely, leaning back onto the edge of the pool. "Not that I'm complaining, but I thought you'd be busy with work back at Sabertooth. Taking some vacation? You're right to do so."
"Yeah," Sting answered stifly, sweating. He swiftly glanced down at Juvia, biting his lip to prevent growls and moans of pleasure to slip through. Damn, this was so good and his body agreed with him. Now if he could just get rid of that nuisance of a Ice Mage to enjoy his treat to the fullest... "I needed that. But what are you doing here?"
Lyon opened one eye to gaze at him. "Glad you asked. I'm here because I needed to cool off a bit..." Then his cheeks reddened a bit and a goofy, sickeningly sweet smile appeared on his face. "... and because I wish to see Juvia-chan ~!" he exclaimed joyously. "I went to ask Mirajane-san if she happened to know where she might be, and she told me that Juvia was spotted in Spa Town Hosenka recently, so I directly jumped into a train to come here. Aaah, now if I can cross paths with her –"
What? "Stop your fucking fantasies about Juvia, Lyon. That's not gonna happen!" Sting snapped before he could control himself, glaring harshly at the Ice Mage.
"No regrets, no change of heart – nothing."
Lyon sobered up, a shocked look on his face. "Excuse me?" he asked, confused.
"Ah, shut up," the blonde growled, now panting because of the waves of pleasure washing over him like crazy. However, they stopped almost at once when he couldn't feel the delicious sensation of Juvia's mouth around his shaft. She had felt his annoyance and irritation instead of the pleasure and bliss, which must have tickled her curiosity.
That's also why she surfaced before Sting and Lyon, her breathing even and not appearing like she'd been underwater, holding her breath; with her in view, the blonde instantly forgot about the silver-haired man standing just a few feet away from them, shock now covering his whole face as he stared at the naked form of Juvia (was it some kind of dream come true? If so, then Sting would have to wipe out that scene from his mind. Permanently.), dazed. Incensed, the Dragon Slayer swiftly snaked his arms around the Water Mage to pull her tight against him, thus covering her body and preventing her from turning around to involuntarily show the fan-boy over a 'piece of heaven'. Juvia looked up at Sting, confused and startled, but cupped his face with both hands.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?" she asked, immediately worried.
"J-Juvia-chan?" Lyon called, still shocked. "Is that really you?"
No way! Juvia's dark blue orbs widened in surprise and, slowly, turned her head to look over her shoulder – somehow, she was hoping she had heard wrong, because there was no way in hell she and Sting were being interrupted by Lyon. Unfortunately, her doubts were confirmed as she stared back at Gray's 'brother', whose eyes couldn't mask the shock and surprise he was feeling... and mostly, the rising sadness. Oh, no. No, no, no, no.
"A-ah, don't look at me!" Juvia exclaimed, turning back toward Sting to hide herself. Her mate was more than happy to oblige, snarling angrily at the Ice Mage as he grabbed his towel to cover Juvia's body. "What are you doing here?!"
"I-I-I-I... you... Sting..." Lyon was stuttering, his eyes still wide. And it seemed his brain was going to black out soon enough from all the rush of informations he was getting right now; Sting Eucliffe and his sweet, beautiful Juvia Lockser, in a hot spring... naked... naked...
Sure enough, his mind finally gave out and his body started to sink into the hot, steaming water after he seemingly passed out, due to obvious shock. Sting stared at the Ice Mage, blinking slowly and his anger being replaced by bewilderment. Juvia, however, was the first to freak out.
"Sting, he's going to drown himself!" she shrieked, wrenching herself out of his arms.
"Ah, shit!" the guild master cursed, rummaging through the water to get a hold of the Ice Mage. "He chose the best time to pass out after ogling you!" He clenched his jaws, pulling him out of the pool. And here he thought he was going to have one damn good time with Juvia once again... The blonde looked murderous as he heaved one of Lyon's arms over his shoulder after putting his towel around his waist, hooked his own arm around the Ice Mage's waist and let Juvia take the other one. Together, they proceeded to take the poor Lamia Scale Mage out of the hot spring.
Sting couldn't believe their luck. Was someone laughing at him up in there? "Great," he grunted sarcastically, eyebrows twitching uncontrollably. "Now we have to deal with a stupid fan-boy with us because he was dumb enough to get here in the first place. Just. Great." He growled, his throbbing member demanding attention.
The Water Mage herself was a bit upset, despite her genuine concern for Lyon Vastia – the man had practically walked in on them! Damn, how crazy was that? Having sex in a hot spring and getting caught by her fan-boy. She cleared her throat, earning Sting's attention. "U-um, we'll make it up," she said hesitantly.
"Of course we will. But that doesn't mean I won't beat him up for ogling you."
"Sting –"
The blonde scowled even more, if possible. "I think I should start breaking his bones right now, while he's still unconscious. That will definitely make me feel a tad better."
"Sting!"
That wasn't what they both had in mind. No, absolutely not. They should be spending time as a couple, preparing themselves because they were bound to leave for the snowy mountains soon enough – they should be enjoying themselves because they were finally reunited after three weeks separated. Once they reached their room, Juvia sighed heavily as she watched Sting drop Lyon onto a futon with a growl, next to Lector, who was sound asleep. This wasn't part of their plans. Her mate was even more frustrated, because he was still hard and she was still excited; a cold shower wasn't very well welcomed but, in that predicament, they both needed to have a clear mind.
The Dragon Slayer sighed, passing a hand into his wild hair. "Damn," he muttered. "That was totally unexpected."
"Completely," Juvia agreed, nuzzling his left shoulder.
And they'll still have to explain everything once he wakes up. Now this was going to be real pain.
"...how do you explain to one of your fans that you're already taken? Without breaking their heart?"
Author's Note 1: Hiya guys! I finally managed to update. See? See?
Author's Note 2: ...I want to watch "Deadpool". *-*
Next Chapter: Lyon Vastia's friendship.